In Brief
Four Indian Air Force officers (three Wing Commanders and one Group Captain) sought Premature Separation from Service (PSS) under an Air Force Human Resource Policy. After their requests were approved, they withdrew them before the separation date. The Air Headquarters rejected their withdrawal pleas. Three officers succeeded before the Armed Forces Tribunal, but the Supreme Court reversed this on appeal. The Court held that the right to withdraw an approved PSS is neither absolute nor unconditional; it requires approval on 'extreme compassionate grounds' alone, and is prohibited entirely for officers who have undergone pre-release courses. The Court distinguished civilian employment law, holding that the Air Force's operational needs and statutory framework justify these restrictions. Two officers were allowed to remain in service under Article 142; one officer's Tribunal order was set aside; one order was affirmed.
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